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Although no one had expressed an urge to get back out loud, there was an unspoken agreement that they should leave the forest as fast as possible. Although Jachira was dead, the rest of the bandits had scattered. Despite having put a good few leagues between the mystical clearing and where they now were, Merlin knew that Arthur wouldn't be happy until he had flushed out every bandit and put across the message that Camelot would not tolerate it. He had always been proud over the kingdom that would one day become his, but since Morgana's attack, his protectiveness had stepped up again. It was as if he personally was going to make sure that not one of his people would suffer if he could help it.

Considering the mood the prince was in, Merlin was glad they were heading back. He wasn't sure if Arthur would sneak off one night and try and take on any bandit he found single-handedly just to make the point. He knew what Arthur would never say. He knew the prince had been worried about them, and the fact that magic had once again tried to take away those he had cared about just made matters worse. But Merlin knew his master; knew those words would never cross his lips. In fact, Arthur was covering up his anxiety in his usual brash manner and trying to pile more and more of the chores onto Merlin. Luckily, the knights saw quite quickly what was happening and although they knew they wouldn't be able to get Arthur to stop, they could then take the tasks off the servant and do them themselves.

Merlin was also grateful to be heading back to the city, although for different reasons to Arthur. Out in the forest, things were relaxed and people at ease. Merlin, however, was paranoid that Gwaine was going to take that relaxation as a hint and think it would be okay to start talking. Merlin knew that his friend would never betray his secret intentionally, but laughter and jokes came swiftly and with ease, and it would only take a slip of the tongue…. He had never had Lancelot's restraint and more than once had been making signals across the camp to the warlock about what he thought he should do to Arthur for the chores.

While Merlin could just hope that the others never worked out precisely what he was gesturing, Merlin knew that Lancelot had figured it out. He caught Merlin's eye one evening with a frown and the warlock had nodded softly. Muttering about needing firewood, the knight had dragged Gwaine into the forest. Merlin had no idea what was said and he knew that he would never ask. Whatever had occurred had been between them, and he already felt awkward enough that Lancelot was taking it upon himself that the secret went no further than that. But when they had reappeared, Gwaine had grinned apologetically and the gestures had stopped.

So, unfortunately, had any of their plans to try and trick Lancelot. Merlin knew that Gwaine was hoping to drop that he knew as something of a shock on the noble man when he was at least expecting it. Gwaine might have been disappointed that opportunity had been taken from him, but Merlin was secretly pleased. Lancelot had only ever been a good friend to him, and he hadn't wanted to be put in the awkward position of having to choose whether to go along with Lancelot's careful approach or Gwaine's carefree attitude.

But despite the dramas that were bubbling just under the surface, the group still made good timing back to Camelot. There was a restless energy amongst the men and they rode late into the final night rather than stopping to make camp. Luckily, even Arthur was so tired that he almost just fell off his horse and handed the reins to the stable boy before stumbling towards his bed. Merlin had been worried Arthur was expecting his servant to take care of things, but all that Merlin did was follow suit. How he got into his room without waking up Gaius, he had absolutely no idea. But he could do nothing other than kick off his boots and let out a long sigh as he fell onto his bed.

He was asleep before he hit the pillow.

Merlin awoke late the next morning and ended up almost hopping to Arthur's rooms after stubbing his toe on the end of the bed in order to try and get ready in time. Thankfully, the prince was still fast asleep himself and Merlin had time to set a few things in order and fetch his breakfast. When Arthur looked confused about the height of the sun, Merlin simply muttered that he thought the prince needed a rest. Arthur simply harrumphed, but didn't say another word before dragging his servant down to the training fields.

It was a beautiful day and all of their friends were there. Gwaine and Lancelot were talking quietly off to one side while Leon and Percival sparred. Elyan was steadily sharpening his sword until Arthur beckoned him up and allowed Merlin to slip away to the two friends who knew his secret. It never seemed quite right seeing Gwaine sitting and talking like that but Merlin knew the knight could be just as serious as the next man if he needed to. In fact, despite the fact they were opposites of each other in personality, Merlin knew he couldn't ask for more loyal friends. If anyone knew his secret and it couldn't be Arthur, he would have picked these two. He knew full well that they had come back and stayed in Camelot because of him. He knew that Arthur knew it as well, despite never saying it out loud.

Taking out a rag and one of Arthur's daggers, Merlin dropped onto the bench next to them and began cleaning the weapon.

"Why don't you just wait until later to do that and do it faster?" For a split second, Merlin had been about to ask how he was supposed to do it faster. Then he grinned.

"Because I still get the satisfaction out of doing it this way," he responded quietly, his hand methodically moving. "I'd never be able to do all my chores the quick way, he'd notice. Not that I don't use, well, you know, now and again to help out, but sometimes I just like doing it by hand. Besides, even if Arthur didn't find out, Gaius would have my head if he knew."

"I still can't believe it. I mean, you're just, well… you."

"Thanks, Gwaine." There was a grin on Merlin's face and a teasing note in his voice. He knew what Gwaine was getting at, but was finding the usually chatty knight struggling to find words to explain what was going through his mind somewhat amusing. Judging by the small smile on Lancelot's face, he was thinking the same thing. Gwaine dipped his head in the imitation of a bow before giving Merlin such a shove that he almost fell off the bench, letting out a yelp as Arthur's dagger slipped slightly.

"Try not to murder my servant, Gwaine, I've only just got him back." Arthur instantly called over and this time, it was Merlin's turn to fight to keep the grin off his face. He knew that Arthur would be keeping a closer eye on him after what had just happened, despite never admitting to doing so.

"Sorry, Sire!" Gwaine yelled back, just a touch of seriousness in his voice as he hauled Merlin back up again. The yelp that time was almost as loud as the time before as Merlin flayed for a moment to get his balance. He would have thought that considering he was the most powerful warlock that had walked the earth, he might have been able to protect himself against being pulled around in such a manner. Once Merlin was back upright and there was no danger that he was about to lose a limb to Arthur's knife, Gwaine frowned again.

"Will you ever tell him?" If he was honest, Merlin had been expecting this question ever since Gwaine had found out. He sighed, glancing over at Arthur.

"One day."

"He's a good man, Merlin, you should give him a chance."

"Are you complimenting him?" Gwaine almost made to shove Merlin again, then seemed to realise that wouldn't be such a good idea and simply punched him on the shoulder instead.

"You know what I mean. You spend all of your time with the man and yet he has no idea. That has to hurt."

"More than you can know," Merlin murmured. He had never heard Gwaine sound this serious. For all that the knight complained about their prince, Merlin knew that Gwaine did believe Arthur was a good man. The fact that he thought Arthur would accept the truth meant a lot. Lancelot might claim the same thing, but Merlin knew he was prone to finding the good in people even if it wasn't there. Gwaine was honest with his opinions; if he didn't think Arthur would deal with the truth, then that would have been what he said.

"But he's not ready yet. Not after what just happened with Morgana. It's turned him against magic, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to tell him without losing him." In Merlin's mind, it just showed that things weren't right as Gwaine made no flippant comment. If Arthur reacted badly, Merlin would be exceedingly lucky to get away with a banishment.

"I still think that…"

"Gwaine, drop it." Lancelot said quietly and Merlin nodded in thanks. He had discussed this with Lancelot, the man knew how much it hurt for Arthur not to see his servant for who he truly was. Gwaine looked affronted.

"I was just going to say that I still think you should use it to defend yourself against cook," he protested and Merlin found himself laughing. It didn't matter if that was what Gwaine had been intending to say or not. What mattered was that the man noticed that the conversation was getting uncomfortable and steered his words away from it. As his laughter faded, Merlin caught Gwaine's eye and let a genuine smile show on his face. Gwaine answered with a dip of his head and Merlin knew that, despite the lies, Gwaine had forgiven and accepted him.

"Gwaine, get off your lazy backside and come and fight me."

"Lancelot is sitting down as well," Gwaine protested loudly as he stood at Arthur's call. He might have moaned, but even he wouldn't disobey a direct order from Arthur like that one. Besides, Merlin knew it would be a lie. He enjoyed fighting Arthur as much as the prince did Gwaine. They were evenly matched in skill and both had to concentrate as they battled to get one over the other. Merlin settled back to watch, a thought coming into his head that caused a devious smirk to emerge. Lancelot groaned.

"I know that look. What are you planning?"

"Who said that I'm planning anything?" Merlin laughed, his eyes twinkling as he placed the dagger down to one side. "I just don't think I should sit by and simply let Gwaine push me off benches like that." Lancelot groaned and pretended to look the other way, clearly knowing that Merlin was going to do something. Merlin could see him watching out of the corner of his eye though and knew Lancelot would find it amusing, he was just too much of a gentleman to do anything about it.

The clash of swords brought his mind back to the task at hand and Merlin found himself watching carefully. He wasn't above playing a few tricks with his magic, but he knew injuries even in training could be fatal, especially considering Arthur and Gwaine tended to fight for their egos, meaning they gave it their all. But as the two men twirled away from each other and a small amount of space was created, Merlin let his eyes glow. He knew it was a risk using magic in the open in this way, but with not having to say anything, it wasn't as if he was drawing attention to himself. No one would ever know that he had even done anything as Gwaine's foot suddenly shot out from under him and he spectacularly tripped up, landing flat on his back. Arthur laughed, kicking the sword from Gwaine's hand and placing the tip of his own under his chin.

"You're getting rusty. Losing to me, getting yourself kidnapped…"

"Shut up," Gwaine muttered, grinning even as he glanced over at Merlin. The warlock innocently raised his eyebrows and a touch of a smile danced across his lips. Gwaine shook his head, laughing as he allowed Arthur to help him up again. But just as he regained his footing, he looped his foot around Arthur's ankles and yanked his prince off his feet, reversing their positions as Arthur was the one who went crashing down. Merlin turned away to hide his grin.

"I'll show you rusty, princess." Gwaine said calmly, stepping away without returning the favour and helping Arthur up. Leaving the prince on the floor, he strode towards Merlin, who automatically ducked behind Lancelot.

"What was that for?" Gwaine's voice was playful and light, yet he was making sure that he stayed quiet. Merlin grinned.

"Pushing me off the bench. The whole clumsiness part isn't an act, you know." Gwaine might have had a comeback if he was given the chance. But Arthur had climbed to his feet in that time.

"Stop hiding behind servants, Gwaine!" Merlin's eyes widening gave Gwaine the clue he needed to know that Arthur was coming for him. The knight took one look over his shoulder and shot off across the training grounds, Arthur on his heels.

"You're not going to influence who wins again?" Lancelot said quietly and Merlin shook his head. With a shrug, he went back to cleaning his dagger.

"Arthur will hold back thinking that Gwaine is still weakened from the attack, find out he is wrong and then wipe the floor with him."

As soon as Merlin finished speaking, a series of yells sounded across the field as the very scenario that he had been describing played out in front of their eyes. Lancelot laughed.

"What happened, Merlin? Gwaine's lying about why you two were taken, isn't he? I'm not asking you to say why Gwaine was the one, it's not your secret to tell and I understand that. But what did that man want with you?" Merlin had to grin; Lancelot was the only person not to call Jachira a sorcerer as if it was something unpleasant. But the grin didn't last long when he thought about what had happened.

"Our blood would have made him powerful. He said that I alone might have been enough. Those pendants, I think they are some sort of soul-suckers, I need to talk to Gaius about it. It felt as if it infected my magic, Lance. I know what I just did might seem like childish tricks, but I needed to know that I could still do it. When he put one on Arthur, I've never seen anyone pale so fast…"

"You were paler. Merlin, you barely looked alive when we got there. I don't think the others noticed and if they did they would probably just put it down to you not being trained in combat and scenarios and things like that. But I think it might have been closer than you realised."

"I'll talk to Gaius about what those things were," Merlin promised, shivering despite the sunshine. "But Jachira is dead and the bandits have scattered. I give it until the end of the day until Arthur is commissioning more patrols out in the forest and finds an excuse to go himself. It's over, Lancelot."

Merlin saw the knight nodding out of the corner of his eye and smiled. Somehow, when anything magical such as this arose, Lancelot would only relax when Merlin declared the threat to be over. It was somewhat touching knowing the knight valued his opinion as much as Arthur's, despite the fact that Merlin did genuinely know what he was talking about.

"He was worried about you. About you both. He might never say it, but I thought I would. You should have seen him when we were being led the wrong way. He wouldn't have forgiven himself if anything had happened to either of you."

"And that is what will make him such a good king," Merlin murmured, watching as Arthur moved one way to watch Leon and Percival sparring while Gwaine headed back towards them. The knight flopped down on the bench and slung an arm around Merlin's shoulder.

"If I buy you a drink, will you stop him from beating me in every fight?"

"Gwaine, I'm not using my magic on Arthur just to stop you from losing…" Merlin trailed off when he realised that Gwaine looked genuinely astonished by what he was saying.

"I wasn't talking about magic, mate. I was thinking just slipping something into his food so that his concentration is elsewhere."

"Gwaine!" Merlin thumped him, finally putting the dagger down and stopped pretending to work. Gwaine grinned.

"Come on, let's go to the tavern." He pulled Merlin up as he spoke, who looked to Lancelot for help.

"It's morning though."

"Don't care. Come on…" As Merlin felt himself being towed away, he wasn't sure all the magic in the world would ever be able to get Gwaine to change his mind. But still, he had to smile. Gwaine knew; and didn't seem to want to have him executed.

Maybe there would be hope for Arthur knowing as well?

But for now, he just let himself be bundled along. No man could stand between Gwaine and the tavern, and Merlin wasn't foolish enough to try.